Mumbai, March 12: Geological Survey of India (GSI) officials have said Mumbai’s reclaimed areas will be under threat if a deep-sea earthquake, above 5 on the Richter scale, hits the commercial capital of the country.
The officials, who measured the risk Mumbai faced after friday’s Quake in Japan, measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale, said a quake above five on the scale could cause damage in all areas, barring seven islands from where Mumbai expands into the Arabian sea.
The areas of maximum risk are Mahalaxmi, Prabhadevi, Dadar, Sion, Kurla, Kalina, Malad (W),Borivali, Mira Road and Bhayander, The oficials said GSI was conducting study of several cities starting with Mumbai due to its vulnerability and population.
The five-year study, started in 2009, said there was no major fault on the ocean bed around Mumbai and hence it was not prone to heavy Tsumanis.
The areas at less risk are Khargar, Nerul, Airoli, Kopar khairane, Goregaon east, Aarey colny and Malad east, they said.
The safest areas are Colaba, Malabar hill, Girgaum, Mazgaon, Parel and hilly belt of Borivali.
Mumbai falls in Seismic zone 111, considered moderately safe, while Zone five is most at risk, the officials added.
–UNI